Usury

An Illegal profit required and received by a lender of a sum of money from the borrower; something exacted for the use of money in excess of and in addition to the interest allowed by law; a loan or forbearance of money for a greater rate of interest than that allowed by law.

234 111. 229.

Originally, the word was applied to all interest reserved for the use of money, and in the early ages, taking such interest was not allowed. USUS (Lat.) In Roman law. A precarious enjoyment of land, corresponding with the right of habitatio of houses, and being closely analogous to the tenancy at sufferance or at will of English law. The uauariua {i, e., tenant by msws) could only hold on so long as the owner found him convenient, and had to go so soon as ever he was in the owner's way (moleatua). The usuarius could not have a friend to share the produce. It was scarcely permitted to him (Justinian says) to have even his wife with him on the land; and he could not let or sell, the right being strictly personal to himself. Brown. USUS BELLICI (Lat.) In international law. Warlike uses or objects. It is the uaua bellici which determine an article to be contraband.

1 Kent, Comm. 141.